Christofell
GALVESTON - The Houston law firm Arguello, Hope and Associates PLLC has filed suit against Source 1 Construction over an invoice the firm claims is dubious, recent court documents say.
A lawsuit filed June 25 in Galveston County District Court says Source 1 submitted an invoice in the amount of $160,356 to the plaintiff "for work performed by Source 1 on behalf of Arguello, Hope and Assoc." last May 31. However, the firm does not recall giving its permission to such projects.
"Despite the phrasing of Source 1's demand for payment, the plaintiff never authorized Source 1 to perform the services invoiced," the original petition says.
The suit explains the respondent "has repeatedly demanded that the plaintiff pay a referral fee or otherwise split attorney's fees for several years," but "because the (complainant) is a law firm and Source 1 is not, the plaintiff cannot pay a referral fee or otherwise split attorney's fees."
According to the complainant, it repeatedly informed the defendant that it cannot make such payments.
The plaintiff consequently seeks a declaration that there is no contract between the parties which would render it liable for the services priced as well as unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
Attorney David A. Christoffel of Arguello Hope is representing his firm.
Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia is presiding over the case.
Case No. 12-cv-1414